South San Antonio News

SAN ANTONIO (March 20, 2024) — Councilwoman Marina Alderete Gavito's Council Consideration Request (CCR) to prioritize unsheltered outreach and abatements has been recommended by the Governance Committee for a briefing in April. The CCR aims to address the issue of urban encampments in San Antonio.

In response to concerns raised by residents, Councilwoman Alderete Gavito highlighted the importance of taking action to address urban encampments. She emphasized the need to prioritize areas such as residential neighborhoods, schools, parks, and drainage ditches. The Councilwoman stated, "We need to set expectations that these are areas we must prioritize on behalf of our neighborhoods."

Acknowledging the challenges faced by the unsheltered population, Alderete Gavito stressed the importance of providing compassionate care and support. She expressed concerns about the health and safety risks posed by urban encampments, stating, "Chronically unsheltered individuals are not receiving the resources and support they need in an alleyway or a drainage ditch."

With the support of budget measures approved by the City Council and Mayor, efforts are underway to address the issue of urban encampments. The Councilwoman emphasized that the focus is on targeting the problem itself, rather than individuals. She highlighted the availability of resources to assist the unsheltered population and address the environmental and safety risks posed by encampments.

Residents can access the full Council Consideration Request on the City's website as efforts continue to address urban encampments in San Antonio.